When King Writes

As we plan our next adventure in the Philippines, I can’t help but look back on our last trip to Cebu, where we stayed at Dusit Thani on Mactan Island.

I remember being hesitant to book this place. Some hotels on the island are quite old, have suffered damage from recent storms, and clearly need repairs to be worth the price. 

But Dusit Thani, opened just five years ago, proved to be a refreshing exception. This 5-star resort was everything I’d hoped for and more. Here are some of my favorite experiences from our stay.

The Room View

We arrived on an early morning flight and I was feeling a bit under the weather (blame my allergic asthma). But the moment I saw the view from our room, any exhaustion I felt just melted away:

Unobstructed views of the ocean, the resort’s long lap pool, and lush greenery below greeted us. The shaded balcony allowed us to enjoy the breeze without baking in the heat. It was peaceful and open; a true breather from city life.

Normally, I like being out and about on vacation, but since we’ve already explored most of Cebu (check out some cool things to do in Cebu here), we decided to take it slow this time. With in-room comforts and a view like this, I did not mind staying in on our first day.

The Food

Of course, we didn’t just stay in the room. While the room service was excellent (meals always arrived within 30 minutes and the staff were super attentive), we made it a point to try the resort’s restaurants and cafes too.

Top of my list is Benjarong, an award-winning Thai restaurant. They serve custom cocktails and authentic Thai dishes that instantly brought back memories of my first Benjarong experience in Manila.

Bonus points for the gorgeous setting overlooking both the beach and sky garden.

We got complimentary cocktails (plural!) with our meal. I don’t know if it’s because we were hotel guests or just particularly entertaining that day, haha. Either way, it was a lovely surprise. 

Next is the poolside café, which I think doubles as a sports bar since there’s a billiard area tucked in one corner.

Their Angus burger is a must-try!

This is also where you can grab buko juice and Flipino halo-halo for some poolside snacking (I’m not a fan of halo-halo though!).

We loved hanging out here just before sunset for that golden-hour glow and relaxed vibe. Plus, it’s the best spot to catch the staff’s evening performances (more on that later).

And then for breakfast: Like many hotels in Cebu, Dusit Thani’s breakfast buffet had a wide array of Korean dishes. Cebu has strong tourism ties with Korea, but I appreciated the Filipino options too. 

If you haven’t tried Filipino breakfast dishes before, this is the perfect opportunity. And please don’t miss the warm taho (sweet silken tofu), a nostalgic morning treat for Filipinos. 😌

There’s plenty of seats indoors, but I often prefer dining outside because of the ocean breeze and garden views. One morning, we were treated to a beautiful rainbow:

The Amenities

We liked using the pool early in the morning or late at night when it was quieter and cooler. 

In the afternoons, kids and families come out to play… but that’s all too much activity for me these days, so I prefer to people-watch or stay in my room. 😅

Another amenity we loved was the gym. Even if working out isn’t your thing on vacation, the view from the treadmills might change your mind. You get a direct view of the ocean while running, which makes the workout feel less like a chore and more like a moving meditation.

Just outside the gym, you’ll find colorful lounging areas also facing the sea. I believe they host yoga and other wellness activities here.

The Massage

After a satisfying workout, we headed down to the spa for a 90-minute massage. If you’ve read my review of Mövenpick (another beachfront resort on Mactan island), you know by now that I always carve out time for a massage during trips.

The one at Dusit Thani’s indoor spa was exceptional. We had views of both the ocean and the pool, and the staff were clearly well-trained. My partner went for a sports massage while I chose their signature Thai massage. 

The Performances

In the afternoons, the resort hosts performances by the pool. Since we were there during the holidays, we got to see quite a few. My favorite was a traditional Filipino dance and ritual.

And because our room overlooked the pool, we were able to watch from our balcony while enjoying our afternoon drinks.

The Ship

Just before sunset, I would invite you to a walking trail in the resort that leads to a small shipwreck. 

There’s a sign at the start of the trail where you can learn a bit about it. We enjoyed taking photos here and admiring the well-maintained foliage.

The Beach and Outdoors

After the shipwreck stroll, you can head down to the beach or relax at one of the many outdoor lounging areas. Dusit Thani has plenty of spots for dining al fresco, reading, or just soaking up the calm with your loved ones.

Overall, I’d happily stay at Dusit Thani Mactan again for a restful escape in Cebu. Just make sure to give yourself time to really enjoy the resort because there is a lot to do and see on the property. They also offer various types of water activities, including scuba diving and island hopping.

The price we pay for a tropical retreat like this is very much worth it, and I’m happy to report that Dusit Thani in Mactan delivers its promise as one of the best tropical havens in the Philippines. 🏝